Confidential Mode coming soon to Gmail

Google introduced its Gmail email service as a limited beta in early April 2004, but this testing phase lasted for more than 5 years, as it finally ended on July 7, 2009. Right now, Gmail is available in over 70 languages and has more than 1 billion users (there is no official information from Google about this, and some sources claim that about 1.2 billion people use Gmail nowadays). Back in May 20124, the Gmail app became the first Android app on Google Play to break the one billion installations barrier.

As shown by a set of leaked screenshots a G Suite memo, Gmail will get a redesign and a few new features in the coming weeks. Shortly after the screenshots surfaced online, Google also confirmed that this redesign is in the works. The screenshots published by The Verge reveal quite a few interesting new features, including indirect Google Calendar access, desktop smart replies, the ability to snooze emails, as well as a Confidential Mode. This feature restricts the ability to copy, download, or print emails, stopping the recipients from forwarding them as well.

"We're working on some major updates to Gmail (they're still in draft phase). We need a bit more time to compose ourselves, so can't share anything yet -- archive this for now, and we'll let you know when it's time to hit send," said a Google spokesperson who talked to TechCrunch.

The memo mentioned earlier revealed that the redesign will be available for testing via an early access program that should take off soon but did not reveal an accurate date. Some of the features headed for  Gmail for the web/desktop version, such as smart replies, have been available for a while on the mobile apps for iOS and Android.